Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is confident there's no bitterness from fans towards Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish.

The England international, 26, joined Villa as a six-year-old and made over 200 first-team appearances for them after making his debut at the age of 18.

Grealish has been sidelined since this month's international break after picking up a knock on England duty and faces a fitness test before Wednesday's clash at Villa Park.

Villa boss Gerrard: “I don't think we will be distracted by it because we've got such a big task to focus on – the strengths of the team we're facing and what we have to do in terms of the game.

“Jack very much deserves a warm welcome and I have no doubt he'll get that.

"This is his club and it will be when his career is over, because he was here as a little boy and he has come through the academy.

“The club have benefited a lot from what Jack has given and we very much wish him well moving forward for the remainder of his career. Obviously not for 90 minutes tomorrow."